Event Summary
On 15 September 2025, the President of the Republic submitted to the legislature a bill to reform the Amparo Law. While the proposal includes fiscal aspects and other relevant topics, the amparo trial has been a central instrument for the defense of rights in Mexico. Among the substantial modifications, the change in the definition of “legitimate interest” stands out, which in practice restricts the ability of individuals, communities, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to file collective amparos, especially in environmental, social, and Indigenous matters.
The government argues that the reform seeks to reduce abuses and streamline processes; however, various CSOs, bar associations, and collectives have warned that the changes are regressive and put effective access to justice at risk.
The legislative debate included public hearings that concluded on September 30, with minor adjustments to the concept of “legitimate interest.” Nevertheless, the process was marked by limited civil society participation and a fast pace that hindered thorough analysis of the impacts of a reform of such significance.
The most alarming development occurred on 1 October 2025, when the Senate approved the reform with minimal changes and, at the last minute, added a transitory article establishing the retroactive application of the law, extending its effects to amparos already in process. This decision has caused significant concern across many sectors, as it is seen as a serious setback in access to justice without real checks and balances, in a context where the Supreme Court of Justice is closely aligned with the political control of the ruling party. The reform is now moving to the next stage, but everything indicates that it will be approved without significant modifications in the coming days.